FDA Cracks Down On Sale Of Unregistered Cigarette-Shaped Candy, Arrests One
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), in collaboration with National Security, has seized quantities of unregistered cigar-shaped candy branded as Cigarette Rod Lollipop, which was on sale in the Central Business District of Accra.
The seizure was made during a crackdown on the sale of the product over the weekend, according to a press release issued on Monday, 31st August, 2026.
The key suspect at the centre of the sale has been arrested and placed in police custody, pending investigations into the importation, distribution and sale of the product.
The FDA says the Cigarette Rod Lollipop is not registered with the Authority and, consequently, its composition is unknown.
This poses a serious public health risk to those who use the product.
The Authority further warned that children holding and using the cigarette-shaped candy could be ushered into the habit of smoking, which will detract from the national campaign against smoking, which the FDA has been leading.
Consumers are therefore advised not to purchase or use the product under any circumstances.
The FDA emphasised that it is an offence under Section 97(1) of the Public Health Act, Act 851, 2012 to manufacture, import, export, distribute, sell or supply food or expose food for sale unless the Authority has registered the food. The Cigarette Rod Lollipop falls under food.
The Authority is encouraging the public to report other persons found selling Cigarette Rod Lollipop and any suspected unregistered product by contacting the FDA on Tel: 055 111 2224 / 055 111 2225 or via email: fda@fda.gov.gh.
Those who have the product in stock should, in their own interest, immediately get in touch with the FDA or send it to the nearest FDA Office.
The FDA also said anyone with credible information leading to the arrest of the importer(s) or any other person(s) behind the importation and distribution of the product should contact the Authority through its official channels, adding that every such information will be treated with strict confidentiality and shall be handsomely rewarded.
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